Meeting Recap (August 14th, 2021)

Our first meeting in-person back from the pandemic break was this past weekend and we sure think it was a huge hit! We had about 80 folks show up and we appreciate everyone masking up and staying safe. We loved to see everyone and get a chance to catch up on all the things - and we loved too see our some of fellow members online as well for the hybrid version of the meeting. 

Guild Business:

• The board provided some fun giveaways as a thank you to all our members who have stuck with us and even joined new throughout the past 18 months. For members who do not live near, we intend to mail these to you within the next month. For those of you who do not anticipate being at a meeting anytime soon, feel free to let us know if someone else will be picking up on your behalf. There is no rush for you to collect these items. 

• Gail Luther, treasurer touched on the current state of the guild fiancnes - please connect with Gail if you want to learn more.
  
  
• Christine Boyd, our secretary gave a quick update on member numbers. We are currently sitting at about 153! We had quite a few guests attending on Saturday and are pleased to see a few new applications coming in! If you're not a member yet - check out how to join.
  
  
• Our Vice President Em Komiskey covered some of the online happenings coming up, below is a list. 
  
  - Dyeing with Indigo class at Perennial STL!   Saturday August 21st, 10am - 12:30pm Learn More  
  - Spectacular Summer SAL with Quilted Connections June 14th - September 12th with monthly prize Drawings Check it out Here
  - English Paper Piecing a Dresden at Jackman's Fabrics Thursdays September 2nd & 9th, 10am-12pm Learn More

Items Covered:

• August Skill Builder - Quilt Math! Guild vice president Em Komiskey will be sharing all her tips and tricks for how to use those math skills to help you in your quilting projects. Zoom with us Wednesday, August 25th from 7-8pm. Look for your member email and zoom link reminders the night before.
  
  
• Hand Sew *Home* Happy Hour August 31st from 6-9 - we would love to see you!
  
  
• 4x5 Quarterly Bees - Quarterly Block Bees - Round 2 should have wrapped this past weekend with exchanging blocks. Signups for Round 3 will be in your recap email. Make sure to post progress pictures and tag #stlmqg4x5bee on IG
  
  
• Board Elections - President & Secretary Positions are open for next year - they are two year terms and we ask that if you are considering that you please notify Pam Hartig (pmhartig21@sbcglobal.net) by Oct 1st so we can announce the candidates in the October meeting and vote in the November. If you have any questions please feel free to reach out to past or current board members to see if these positions might be a good fit for you.
  
  
• QuiltCon 2022 - Friendly reminder make sure you have booked those hotels and registered for classes and lectures. The Quilt show entries will be open from September 1, 2021 through October 31, 2021. 
  
  
• 
  2021 Remaining Monthly Meetings: We will be meeting at the Shrewsbury City Center's Multipurpose Room for the remainder of 2021. A Zoom option will be available for those unable to attend. 
  NOTE: Our October meeting will be on the 16th - this is NOT the 2nd Saturday of the month. 
  
  
• Guild Merch - your probably saw some of us sporting our MAKE COOL STUFF swag this past weekend - we do have a limited number of extras email us if you're interested in snagging one - we will have these at our next in person meeting for sale.
  
  
  
• Quiltcon Community Challenge
  
  This year's quilt is an interpretation of a map that depicts the racial diversity/integration in the STL metro area.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Segregation in STL is a deeply rooted issue based on hundreds of years of discriminatory policies and practices. While progress is made every day, it will not be overcome easily and it continues to negatively affect many aspects of our region, including, one could argue, our own guild. We hope members will delve more deeply into this as well as reflect a bit on where their house falls within this quilt and what circumstances have contributed to that as they make their blocks. We hope this ties in with the themes we have heard recently from the SJSA and Color of Connection Quilt including that change starts with the individual and it's time to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. 
  
  
  We intend to make packets of instructions for members to sign out. Each packet will be responsible for 2 blocks. We will have a total of around 85 packets. We started handing this month with an expected return of September or October. 
  
  
• Charity Committee Summer/ Fall Project - we are making small quilts for the Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (CG PICU). Our goal is 60 quilts - please check out the blog post for more information about sizes, color schemes and deadlines. Make sure to share your finished quilts on social using #stlmqg, #stlmqgcares, and #stlmqgPICUquilts!
• Vet Quilts - the deadline for these quilts has been pushed back to November so this will allow folks more time to work on these and help reach our goal. Read more here.
  
  
• What is Modern?? Kristy Daum
  
  
  
  
  
  “Modern quilts are primarily functional and inspired by modern design.  Modern quilters work in different styles and define modern quilting in different ways, but several characteristics often appear which may help identify a modern quilt.
  
  These include but are not limited to, the use of bold colors and prints, high contrast and graphic areas of solid color, improvisational piecing, minimalism, expansive negative space, and alternate grid work.
  
  "Modern traditionalism" or the updating of classic quilt designs is also often seen in modern quilting.”  
  
  - Definition for Modern Quilting as found on The Modern Quilt Guild website
  
  Kristy walked us through some examples of some her own modern makes - as well as talking through how Modern Quilting has and is constantly evolving, and how at the heart of it all we are ALL Quilters - there is room for everyone in this craft!

• Fabric Raffle 
  Thanks to another very generous donation from our sponsor Cotton Cuts we had two excited members win some awesome fabric!

Meeting #112 (August 14th, 2021)

Our first IN-PERSON MEETING in 18 months is happening this Saturday from 10:00am - 12:00pm at the Shrewsbury Center - see the Meeting and Events Tab for information. With the COVID numbers on the rise, we will be taking precautions to keep everyone safe and healthy and we will be following the CDC guidelines for wearing masks. All members will be required to wear masks regardless of vaccine status. We will also have theatre seating to ensure that you are able to keep a safe distance.

For those who need to play it safe and wish to stay at home, we are still planning on Zooming the meeting so you can still join in! The link and info will be sent to your member email later this week. 

Note from guild President Lilo:

The board of this guild is very much aware of the ever-changing situation of COVID and we want to be clear that the well-being and safety of our members and their families is our biggest concern as we try to navigate this situation. After careful consideration, we do feel like it is possible to safely meet in person as long as we, as a collective, are conscientious, caring, and respectful of those within our community. With that in mind, masks will be required for all meeting attendees, regardless of vaccination status. This is per CDC recommendations and out of respect for those in our group who are themselves or have loved ones at home that are vulnerable or have not yet been able to be vaccinated. There is a Zoom option for each meeting throughout the remainder of 2021 for those who are unable/choose not to attend in person. 

Thank you for your patience, understanding, and consideration of those around you.
Lilo Whitener-Fey
President, 2021

A few highlights/reminders of the in-person meetings to call out:

• Name Tags - extra helpful with members wearing masks and with all our new members attending. Folks shared some of their creations on Facebook if you are looking for inspiration.
• Free Table - bring some goodies and take some goodies - we will have lots to look through! 
• Fabric Raffle - this is going to remain an online fabric raffle! Please purchase your tickets ahead of time or use the codes and links we will provide to purchase through your phone during the meeting.
• Show and Share - bring those projects to share! Anything you've been saving up to show folks we want to see it! Bring your skill builder projects, your bee blocks, whatever you want to share! 
  

You can read more about what to expect at the in-person meetings on this special blog post. 

This meeting will include:

-Welcome & Zoom Courtesy 101

- Guild Business:
  :: Membership Information
  :: Financial Information
  :: Quilting News

- Announcements/Reminders

  :: Monthly Skill Builder August 

  :: August Fabric Bundle Raffle - See your email for more details and the link. 

  :: 4x5 Quarterly Bee Updates

  :: Board Elections

  :: QuiltCon 2022

  :: Guild Merch

  :: 2021 Remaining Monthly Events
  :: QuiltCon Community Challenge Quilt

  :: Member Updates

- What is Modern Quilting presentation by guild member Kristy Daum

- July Skill Builder Prize Winner

- August Bundle Raffle Drawing

- Show & Share

-------------------------- Reminders/Items Due ------------------------------

:: Don't forget to post your pictures of your Improv Piecing on IG using the hashtag #stlmqgskillbuilder or email us at stlmqg@gmail.com to be entered to win this month's prize.

Meeting Recap (July 10th, 2021)

Talk about hot girl summer! The STLMQG hosted the HOT ladies of the Color of Connections Quilt over zoom to hear all about their mission and connection through quilting. 

Porfiria, Keyana, and Michelle - Color of Connection Quilt Ladies

May of 2020 was a rough time for America. The world was going through a massive pandemic and injustices and racism in America were making global headlines, again. Many people were feeling very unsettled and upset at things going on around them. So one woman, Michelle (GA) reached out on Instagram to check on how a fellow quilter, Porfira (NY) was feeling. One simple question became the springboard for an amazing idea. We connect over our love for quilts - what else can we connect over? They used their love of quilting as a way to open the door to talk. Three women from different parts of the United States with different skin tones, different communities all connecting over their love of quilting and each other. The more that they talked the more they wanted to share that feeling with other people.

As the two ladies talked more they roped in Keyana (OH) into their group decided to work on a pattern for their QAL. They approached a Georgia jewelry maker for help and inspiration, she was thrilled to help and her only request was that the money made from their pattern be donated to a non-profit. As the women began to search for a non-profit that fit their vision, they came to realize that maybe they should start their OWN non-profit. And this is how their non-profit was born. This was a movement. A movement for colorful change through the joy of quilting. 

Their goals were straightforward - they wanted to use the love of quilting to connect folks and give back to their communities through quilt workshops and building a supportive online community. In each of their hometowns, they would host quilting workshops with underprivileged populations. They wanted to teach, empower, and connect the next generation of quilters to share their stories through textile art.

They held their first QAL in February online to help raise awareness for their mission and build that online community and help raise money! Then their first workshop took place in Atlanta Georgia. They taught the young women of Jesse’s House how to not only sew but make their first quilt. Girls who started the day off as grumpy teens rolling their eyes at the idea of quilting - turned into smiling faces thrilled with the exciting feeling of seeing a quilt top come together. They each completed a top that day and longarmers all over the country donated their services have finished up their tops - so they can be delivered back to the girls. They will not only have a beautiful quilt that they themselves made they also now have a whole new set of skills to feel proud of. 

They will be hosting workshops in Ohio and in New York coming up this year. 

These ladies shared a lot about what this experience has taught them - mainly to pursue diversity and love through a shared love of quilting and to remember to have grace for one another. Grace, encouragement, and love are key.

Many folks in the community have donated to help make their workshops possible - if you are interested in donating you can of course buy their pattern, donate, sign up for their newsletter, join their next QAL (coming Feb 2022) and make sure to get out there and talk about it! Sometimes getting out there can be difficult - it can be uncomfortable to confront the hard things going in the world around us as the ladies say - 

"Get comfortable with being uncomfortable!" 

Michelle, @meeshquilts   |   Porfiria, @mrsporfiria   |   Keyana, @collectivequilts

If you're interested in working with fellow guild members to work on similar initiatives here in STL let us know! We would love to give back to the STL community and get more folks involved - email us at stlmqg@gmail.com

Guild Items Covered:

• Around Town Quilt Happenings
   - Perennial is having a weaving class Saturday, July 17th - Check it out >
   - City Sewing Room is having a 12-hour sew-in on July 25th 10a-10p $25 - Learn more >
  
  
• QuiltCon 2022 - The 2022 Catalog is here! Make sure to check it out so that when Registration opens on Aug 4th you are ready to sign up - they fill up fast!
  
  
• In-Person meetings are BACK in August!!! August Saturday 14th 10a-12:30 at the Shrewsbury Center It's been a while we know! If you are new or need a little refresher check out this blog post for some of the things you can expect. We will hear a little from our previous president Kristy Duam about what modern quilting means and mostly we just plan on having a fun time catching up with everyone and seeing all those projects you've been saving up! (we will be following the CDC mask recommendations at that time)
  
  
• Membership up to date? Are you ready to come back in person but aren't a current member - check out this post to read how to join. Dues are half price for the remainder of the year!
  
  
• Remaining Monthly Events  
  August: IN PERSON WELCOME BACK !!! Shrewsbury City Center 10-12:30
  September: In-Person - Quilt Photographer Shrewsbury City Center 10-12:30
  October: Stay Tuned
  November: In-Person - Shrewsbury City Center 10-12:30
  December: In-Person Raffle Shrewsbury City Center 10-12:30
  
  
• Monthly Skill Builder July - Guild member Octavia Pitts will be teaching us Improv Piecing on July 21st from 7-8pm. You can always read more on the Monthly Skill Builder blog. We will also be recording the monthly sessions and sending them out within 48 hours. 
  
  
• QuiltCon Community Quilt Challenge - this year it's all about angles (specifically not 90º ones!) Leila, Laura, and Lilo are heading up the charge and we could use some volunteers. Let us know if you're interested - we will be on a tight timeline to turn this around - so stayed tuned for more information to come!
  
  
• Save the Date for STLMQG Quilt Show 2022 - July 16 – 17, 2022 - Kirkwood Community Center, set up July 15
  
  
• Hand Sew *Home* Happy Hour July 27th, 6-9PM come and go as you please - join us to sew or just to chat!
  
  
• 4x5 Quarterly Bees are underway - your blocks are due at the August Meeting - make sure to post pictures on IG and use the hashtag #stlmqg4x5bee
  
  
• Guild Merch - Thanks to everyone that ordered! When they are ready for pick up we will let you know and you can pick them up from Lilo or at the August meeting if you did not have them shipped. We will also have a limited number of extras for sale at the August meeting if you missed the chance to order online. 

Fabric & Pattern Raffle

We had some gorgeous bright FQ Basics Bundles from Libs Elliot's Dear Diary provided by Cotton Cuts. Winners were Jaymie Norber & Pam Hartig. 

If you want to get beautiful fabric delivered to your door and support a local STLMQG member and fabric shop check out Cotton Cuts and sign up today!

In-Person Meetings: What to Expect

Friends. It's coming! Our first in-person meeting in 18 months (18 months!!) will be August 14, 2021! Are you ready? Yes, No, Maybe, Unsure? It's all good, we have you covered no matter your speed. Here is as much as we can think of to share with you about our meetings when you are ready to join us: 

What Happens to Zoom: Don't worry, for the remainder of 2021 we will still have a Zoom element to the meetings. It may not as interactive, but you will have a window into the action. 

COVID Precautions: We will be following whatever CDC guidelines are in place at the time of the meeting. These are fluid so be sure to check back often.

Meeting Locations and Times are located on the Meeting and Events Tab. Please note: in person meetings are 10:00am - 12:30pm which is an hour longer than when we were exclusively on Zoom. 

At the Meeting:

• General Format: 
• Arrive, Find a Seat, Get the Lay of the Land: This may include signing in, adding things to the free table, displaying blocks, etc. 
• Guild Business, Announcements, Reminders
• Break
• Main Activity
• Show and Share
• Attendance Prizes and Raffle Drawings
• Things to Do:
• Sign In! If you wore a homemade name tag you will also get to pick up a ticket for attendance prizes. 
• Purchase Fabric Raffle Tickets: pet the pretty fabric of the month and buy your tickets. 
• Check Out Library Books: The guild has a robust collection of pattern, design, and technique books. You are welcome to check one out and bring it back to the next meeting!
• Dig into the the Free Table: Add items you no longer need and take anything that looks interesting from the free table! 
• Display your bee blocks and skill builder examples on the wall!
• Bring something for Show and Share! At the end of the meeting anyone is welcome to come on stage and show off your latest make. 
• Meet someone new! Look for folks wearing stickers that let you know they are guests or new members and say hello.
• Things to Bring:
• Check the agenda posted on the blog each Tuesday before the meeting to see if anything from our activities is due.
• Your homemade nametag!
• Library books you checked out the previous month.
• Examples of your skill builder. 
• Projects for Show and Share.
• Items for the free table and a bag to take things home from the free table.
• Anything you need to exchange with fellow members: traveling quilts, bee blocks, longarm projects...
• A big ol' smile!
• A friend! Folks can attend 2 meetings to see if we are a good fit for them. See the How to Join tab for more info. 

Odds and Ends/Further Explanations:

• Name Tags: Make yourself a name tag and wear it to the meeting. When you check in you will be given a ticket and we will draw for attendance prizes at the end of the meeting. It can be embroidered, appliqued, written in fabric pen, sharpie, raspberry jam.... whatever you like! 
• Free Table: This is NOT A TRASH TABLE. Please don't bring anything you wouldn't offer to your neighbor. Feel free to save any really great items for the December raffle. 
• Monthly Fabric Raffle: We will have an online option to purchase tickets up until the evening before the meeting. Tickets will then be available for purchase at the meeting. (Potentially cash only, we are still working on this.)
• Skill Builder: Get an extra ticket to win the monthly prize by bringing your skill builder example to the meeting!!
• December Raffle: Each December our meeting is one big fund raiser/giveaway. In October and November you may start bringing nice items to donate to the raffle in exchange for tickets. You may also purchase tickets at the beginning of the December meeting. We then take time to put our tickets in the bag that corresponds to the items we hope to win. Once all tickets have been distributed, we start pulling out winning tickets!
• Member Announcements: Not on the board or on a committee but have something you want to share? Great! There is always a moment set aside for members to stand up and share announcements. 

Meeting #111 (July 10th, 2021)

Summer is in full swing here in St. Louis and as we prepare to start our in preson meetings back up we thought it would be awesome to use the unique format of Zoom one more time this month to connect up with some amazing ladies in the quilting community. 

If you are interested in joining - See the 'How to Join' tab if you're not a member but would like to join. 

This meeting will include:

- Welcome & Zoom Courtesy 101

- Special Guest Speakers - The Color of Connection Quilt Ladies

We are so pleased to welcome the creators of Color of Connection Quilt, Michelle (@meeshquilts), Porfiria (@mrsporfiria), and Keyana (@collectivequilts)! These three ladies have a goal to teach, empower, and connect the next generation of quilters, particularly in underprivileged populations, to share their stories through textile art. Their quilt a-long in February has brought hundreds of quilters across the world together to make connections, develop friendships, and bask in the glow of quilt creation while also supporting a truly lovely mission. We are so excited to hear from them!

- Guild Business:
  :: Membership Information
  :: Financial Information
  :: Quilting News

- Announcements/Reminders

  :: August In-person Meeting Return 

  :: Monthly Skill Builder July 

  :: July Fabric Bundle Raffle - See your email for more details and the link. 

  :: Committee Updates

  :: Member Updates

- June Skill Builder Prize Winner

- July Bundle Raffle Drawing

- Show & Share (time permitting)

-------------------------- Reminders/Items Due ------------------------------

:: Don't forget to post your pictures of your quilt backing skills using the new tips you learned on IG using the hashtag #stlmqgskillbuilder or email us at stlmqg@gmail.com to be entered to win this month's prize.

Meeting Recap (June 12th, 2021)

Our first informal gathering at the park last month was a smashing success even if it was a bit chilly and dreary! It was so much fun seeing everyone's faces and quilts! Be sure to check your member emails for the link to the photos of everyone's quilts!

Guild Business:

• Christine Boyd, our secretary, gave us a brief overview of our membership numbers.  We continue to grow and we couldn't be more excited to have new members - we are currently sitting at 149 strong! Not a member yet? Anyone interested should check out how to join.
  
  
• Our Vice President Em Komiskey covered some of the online happenings coming up, below is a list. 
  
  - The MQG is sewing this season to make a difference!  Tree theme to benefit Trees for the Future Submissions open July 1-21, MQG Member voiting August 4-9 MQG Make a Difference Challenge 
  - Spectacular Summer SAL with Quilted Connections June 14th - September 12th with monthly prize Drawings Check it out Here
  - Heyde Sewing Grand Re-opening Learn More Here June 19th 9am-4pm

Items Covered:

• Infromal Park Gathering- June 27th at Tower Grove Park 10am - Quilt Photographer, Free Table, Homeless Vet Quilt Collection Point, Swap/Challenge Switch Opportunity
  
  
  
  
  
  
• The Color of Connections Quilt Ladies @ the July Meeting will be speaking at our July Meeting as a reminder. These ladies are working to create a nonprofit that connects the modern quilting community, across all colors, ages, genders, and backgrounds. Through this non-profit they will be hosting quilting workshops with vulnerable youth of all colors to sew, foster relationships abd meaningful connection, and also teach self-efficacy and creativity. Learn more on their mission on their site.
  
  
• 4x5 Quarterly Bees - Quarterly Block Bees - Round 2 is underway - you should have chosen your block pattern and should be picking fabrics. Make sure to post progress pictures and tag #stlmqg4x5bee on IG
  
  
• 'Get to Know You'- Challenge and Swap - these are due June 27th - make sure to tag your photos online for a chance to win a prize - #stlmqgswapchallenge
  
  
• 2021 Remaining Monthly Events  
  July: Zoom w/ Color of Connection Quilt Ladies
  August: IN PERSON WELCOME BACK !!! Shrewsbury City Center 10-12:30
  (we will be following the CDC mask recommendations at that time)
  September: In Person - Quilt Photographer Shrewsbury City Center 10-12:30
  October: Working on informal sew-ins
  November: In Person - Shrewsbury City Center 10-12:30
  December: In Person Raffle Shrewsbury City Center 10-12:30
  
  
• Monthly Skill Builder June - Guild president Lilo Whitener-Fey will be helping teach members her tips for working on backing fabrics - matching up patterns and easy single seam piecing. Zoom with us Wednesday, June 23rd from 7-8pm. Look for your member email and zoom link reminders the night before.
  
  
• Guild Discounts
  - Jackman's - STLMQG members get 10% off at Jackmans on all non-sale items by showing their MQG membership card. Directions on how to get this card are on the member drive and the link will be in the member email.
  - Modish Quilter Annual Magazine - members get 20% off subscriptions - code in email.
  
  
• Quiltcon 2022 will be held in Phoenix, AZ Feb 16-20, 2022 Check their site for information and important dates. Members can check the Facebook group to chat about about meetups and room sharing. 
  
  
• 
  Guild Merch - we are so excited to be able to offer up T-shirts and Tote bags reminding folks to MAKE COOL STUFF - these shirts and totes sales are open to everyone and we think they would make some great gifts for the creatives in your life. Online shop will be open from June 15th - 29th. Check out the online store and buy yours now!
  
  
  
• Charity Committee Summer/ Fall Project - we will be making small quilts for the Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (CG PICU). Our goal is 60 quilts - please check out the blog post for more information about sizes, color schemes and deadlines. Make sure to share your finished quilts on social using #stlmqg, #stlmqgcares, and #stlmqgPICUquilts!
  
  Vet Quilts - the deadline for these quilts has been pushed back to November so this will allow folks more time to work on these and help reach our goal. Read more here.
  
  
• Products Worth the Money
  We broke out into chat rooms with members to discuss quilting notions and items we thought were really helpful in the quilting process and total worth the money -
  
  Quilting Items with Cords
  - AccuQuilt GO! Big Electric Fabric Cutter Starter Set
  - Steamfast iron
  - Reliable irons / Reliable Velocity 230IR
  - Oliso Mini Project Iron
  - and many more check out the resource document in your email!
  

Rulers & Template

- Stripology XL
- Clearly Perfect Slotted Trimmer
- Bonnie K Hunter's Essential Triangle Tool
- Companion Angle Triangle Ruler

- and many more check out the resource document in your email! 

 

Kitchen Sink

- Hera Marker
- Supreme Slider Free Motion Quilting Supplies
- Wonder Clips
- Wool Pressing Mat

- and many more check out the resource document in your email!

• Hand Sew *Home* Happy Hour June 29th 6-9 - we would love to see you there!
  
  
  
  
  
• Fabric Raffle 
  Thanks to another very generous donation from our sponsor Cotton Cuts Barb Phelps & Marie Hill won fat quarter bundles of the new Tula Pink fabric!

Fall 2021 STLMQG Charity Project

The STLMQG Charity Committee is happy to announce a second charity project for 2021. We will be making small quilts for the Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (CG PICU). The CG PICU provides respiratory and heart flow management for critically ill children as well as those recovering from complex heart procedures and organ transplants. These quilts are the sense of home most parents need in the most trying times while their child is recovering at Cardinal Glennon.

The CG PICU was brought to our attention by a member of the Charity Committee whose own daughter spent time there after having open-heart surgery when she was just 2.5 months old. Her daughter was lovingly given a quilt to use while she was there. When she reached out to see if the hospital needed more quilts since the one her daughter used looked a bit worn, they said YES!

Here's everything you need to know about the project: 

• Quilts must be new, handmade, and washable. They should be machine quilted (no ties) and preferably bound by machine for maximum durability. 
• Quilt Size: 36” x 36” (for babies and little kids) or 36" x 48" (for big kids). Please try to stay close to these dimensions. 
• Color Scheme and Fabrics: The quilts are for all kids, not just babies. Please pick fabrics that are appropriate for children, including but not limited to pastels, bright colors, and fun prints. Cotton and flannel are both okay. No rag quilts. 
• Deadline: December Meeting. Quilts can be dropped off at in-person meetings or coordinate with another STLMQG member. 
• Goal: 60 quilts 
• A small quilt should be quick to sew, and you can use any square pattern you have. Blocks that FINISH at 3” square (12 blocks x 12 blocks = 144 total), 4” square (9 blocks x 9 blocks = 81 total), 6” square (6 blocks x 6 blocks = 36 total), 9” square (4 blocks x 4 blocks = 16 total), 12” square (3 blocks x 3 blocks = 9 total), or 18” square (2 blocks x 2 blocks = 4 total) can all be easily used for this quilt. You could also try blocks that finish at odd sizes and add a border or even try some improv! With block-based quilts, you can make your assembly even faster by using web piecing (see January 2021 Monthly Skill Builder) to put the top together. Here are a few pattern ideas to get you started: 
https://www.coralandco.com/free-baby-quilt-patterns-to-sew.html 
https://wren-collective.com/free-pattern/free-baby-quilt-patterns-20-of-my-favorites/


Kitchen Table Quilting did a year's worth of free giant block patterns that finish at 36" square, perfect for the PICU quilts. You can find them all in her shop: https://kitchen-table-quilting.myshopify.com/collections/freebies.

Thank you for your efforts! We look forward to seeing (and receiving) your beautiful quilts. And be sure to share your finished quilts on social media using #stlmqg, #stlmqgcares, and #stlmqgPICUquilts. 

-Your 2021 STLMQG Charity Committee: Jessica Schunke (Chair), Gayle Larson, Kathy Mattingly, Krista Robbins, Gina Shelley, and Nichole Witushynsky